Catenaa, Monday, December 07, 2025- Turkey’s digital asset platform Paribu has acquired Bahrain-based crypto exchange CoinMENA for up to $240 million, marking the largest fintech acquisition in Turkey and the country’s first cross-border crypto deal.
The acquisition gives Paribu regulatory access in Bahrain and Dubai, two rapidly growing crypto hubs.
CoinMENA serves over 1.5 million users across more than 45 countries, offering trades in eight local currencies and the US dollar.
The platform holds licenses in Bahrain and Dubai, the latter under the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Investors in CoinMENA include Arab Bank Switzerland and Circle, with nearly $20 million raised to date.
The acquisition aligns with broader global consolidation in the crypto sector. Reports indicate 95 crypto mergers and acquisitions were announced worldwide in Q3 2025 alone.
Paribu said users of both platforms will see no operational changes initially.
Industry observers noted the deal positions Paribu to enter high-growth Middle Eastern and North African markets while gaining an immediate regulatory footprint. The move comes as regional adoption of digital assets continues to accelerate, driven by favorable licensing frameworks and growing investor interest.
Paribu did not disclose whether it plans further acquisitions in the MENA region but emphasized strategic expansion as a core goal.
